SCENE OF THE CRIME by Natasha
There's a certain morsel of truth that I've come to understand about the South Puget Sound: It pays to have friends who live on Salmon Beach.
Parking your car at the top and dropping down a steep, sandy hill to get to Salmon Beach may seem like a chore to most, but for the people who live there, it's a small price to pay to get to the pot of gold. As you get close, you'll start to see the gorgeous stretch of beach homes built on pilings over the water.  Salmon Beach is just south of Point Defiance and has the most spectacular views of the twin Narrows Bridge towers.
I know I sound like some lame episode of "Evening Magazine" right now, but give me another second and I'll whisk you away to the scene. Sorry, that totally sounded like John Curley.
Most of the Salmon Beach cottages are equipped with big decks (great for margaritas all day and barbecues) and a chain hoist that lowers boats into Commencement Bay.
My friend Emmalee is lucky enough to live there.  When she's not clam digging, fishing, cutting wood for her stove or swimming, she's often kind enough to take me on water tours in her boat.
Where do we always end up? The Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor.
There's nothing like tying up to the Tides' dock and scurrying up the ramp to settle in for the perfect mix of microbrews and some of the best tavern food anywhere.
The Harmon Pub and Brewery brews the Tides' microbrews: the Tides Full Scale Ale, ESB Best Barrel Bitter and the Tides Peninsula Porter. It also has staples like Alaskan Amber and Fat Tire.
What cracks me up about the Tides is that most of the Gig Harbor locals in there could probably afford five-star meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but they all end up at the Tides regardless.
I think what brings people back is the comfortable nautical ambiance, the huge deck and menu items such as legendary burgers, pizza and fish and chips. The fact that it's been in business since 1973 probably doesn't hurt either.
Personally, I like to high-five my fun friend Tom who works there.  We went to college together.  You'd be hard pressed to find someone who has a better sense of humor than Tom.
If you're lacking in the boat department, don't worry; the Tides is just as easily accessible off Highway 16. I'd give you directions, but I've been there only once by land (I know, I'm spoiled rotten).
Relaxing at the Tides is a mission critical adventure to have in this Washington state experience, so hop on board already.
Ahoy, my sexy pirates!
Tides Tavern, 2925 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, (253) 858-3982.

Tell me where you like to party here.